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The mohawk standard is pretty much the NSAC's definition on their website(1 inch either way of the center of the back of the head).

I have no idea where the headphone standard came from other then some peoples(possibly including Herb Dean) interpretations of the rule as many consider that to be the back of the head.

What they actually enforce etc I am not sure but considering the NSAC has their rules right on the website it is pretty cut and dry what would hold up if a case were made of this.

If Herb Dean was reffing the fight and DQ'd or ruled it a NC do you think Browne could get it overturned by the commission?

I think it looks cut and dry but I'm not sure it is.

edit:

I want to add that I'm arguing this simply because I believe it to be an unsafe and vague definition of the rule as determine by doctors expert anaylsis of the danger. I AM for more striking methods like this as a way to re-balance the unbelievably bias rules towards grappling tactics in sanctioned MMA.

Think about in a fight with less rules how many wrestlers would get KO'd from elbows like this during a double leg, or how many would get kneed while on three points or up-kicked as in Okami vs. Silva I, or how failed attempts could get you stomped. It seems as though wrestling is so strong in MMA because it puts you in a vulnerable position for strikes that happen to be illegal.

"Illegal Strikes to the Back of the Head- Strikes behind the crown of the head and above the ear are not permissible with in the Mohawk area. Strikes below the top of the ear are not permissible within the nape of the neck area."

There was a minor amendment to the side portion of the photo for clarification:

"The group continued to discuss the permitted striking area on the side and the back of the head. The group accepted the back of the head diagram but asked that the side of the head photo be edited to clarify the permissible striking area. Basically, the group concluded that a strike that touches the ear is permissible. As the diagram shows, strikes are not permissible in the nape of the neck area up until the top of the ears. Above the ears, permissible strikes do not include the Mohawk area from the top of the ears up until the crown of the head. The crown of the head is marked on the attachment and is found where the head begins to curve. "

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His helmet was stifling, it narrowed his vision. And he must see far. His shield was heavy. It threw him off balance. And his target is far away.

I still don't think Browne's elbows were illegal except for 1. After seeing a larger gif it is obvious that Browne actually changed his elbow strikes for the last 2 strikes and that they approached more from the side and landed close to Gonzaga's right ear(can't see it from above but the side shot shows this). First 2 shots pretty much hit Gonzaga right on his left ear as well.

The 4th strike was definitely illegal but that was because Gonzaga slumped unconsciously into it. The 3rd strike that caused the knockout was close and I can't find a large enough gif to be sure but from what I have seen I think it was just legal as it landed further up the head away from the neck area.

Browne was actually trying quite hard to keep the elbows legal, his only other option would have been to not throw them. I actually am glad they allow strikes like this for the most part since guys defending takedowns already have so few options for strikes.

I AM for more striking methods like this as a way to re-balance the unbelievably bias rules towards grappling tactics in sanctioned MMA.

Think about in a fight with less rules how many wrestlers would get KO'd from elbows like this during a double leg, or how many would get kneed while on three points or up-kicked as in Okami vs. Silva I, or how failed attempts could get you stomped. It seems as though wrestling is so strong in MMA because it puts you in a vulnerable position for strikes that happen to be illegal.

I watched the replay on my big screen over and over. I feel terrible for Gonzaga. The legal elbows clearly rocked him but were nowhere near enough to finish the fight, the fight ending elbows were some of the nastiest illegal strikes i've seen to date.